4 Cleveland Browns players who should change their number
By Randy Gurzi
2. Denzel Ward, from No. 21 to No. 12
In 2018, the Cleveland Browns had two picks in the first four selections of the 2018 NFL Draft. At No. 1 overall, they took Baker Mayfield who has turned into the best quarterback they have had since coming back to the NFL in 1999.
As good as that pick was, it wasn’t the only good move made by former general manager John Dorsey. At No. 4, he took Ohio State defensive back Denzel Ward. In his very first game, Ward covered Antonio Brown (while he was still Antonio Brown) and held his own — even registering two picks.
Since then, Ward has only gotten better. He has 143 tackles, 40 pass breakups, and seven interceptions. He has had trouble staying on the field — missing 11 games in three seasons — but that is the only knock on the man who has become a legit No. 1 cornerback in the NFL.
And now, he could be one of the corners to change his number should this rule be approved. Currently, Ward wears No. 21 which is the reverse of the No . 12 he wore at Ohio State.
Right now, that number is taken by KhaDarel Hodge but it’s not as if some monetary compensation wouldn’t convince him to look for a new number of his own.
The good news is, No. 21 is already cool for a defensive back but if he could go back to his Ohio State roots, that would be even better.